The mission of Cocoapreneur is to foster an environment of economic prosperity in order to ensure more sustainable neighborhoods for the historically African American communities and neighborhoods around Pittsburgh, PA. Through support to businesses via advertising, marketing and consulting, Cocoapreneur aims to normalize the idea of entrepreneurship and make becoming a business owner a more feasible and attainable goal for African Americans in the greater Pittsburgh area.
In response to COVID-19 and increased discussion around race-based disparities in America, Cocoapreneur PGH created the Cocoapreneur Collaborative as another pathway to fulfilling their mission. Aiming to address more social needs of the Black business community, the fund is meant to provide relief and aid to Black owned businesses and Black initiatives that aren’t able to get funding and support through other means. It was initially created to assist businesses that were vandalized after the George Floyd protests in Pittsburgh in May 2020, but has extended its reach to help others facing challenges because of COVID-19, as well. To date, the fund has provided over $50,000 to businesses in the Pittsburgh area!
As part of Cocoapreneur’s 2020 Healthy Neighborhood Awardee highlight week, we will be spotlighting some of the amazing businesses that received mini grants from Cocoapreneur for everything from new equipment, to salaries, to scholarships for youth programs!
Here’s a Q&A with Dr. Dominique Thornhill, owner and director of Each One Teach One Childcare and Learning Center.
Tell us about yourself and about your business.
“My name is Dr. Dominique Thornhill, owner and director of Each One Teach One Childcare and Learning Center. We are located at 500 Ardmore Blvd Pittsburgh, Pa 15221, and provide quality childcare and educational enrichment services to children six weeks to eighteen years old. This includes daycare, evening care, weekend care, tutoring, SAT Prep, before and after school programs and so much more.”
What inspired you to start your business?
“I began my career as an English teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and currently teach Educational courses at California University of Pennsylvania. Each One Teach One grew out of my love for learning and children. We are excited to open this Fall, during such an unprecedented time and know that through the support of Pittsburgh, and organizations such as Cocoapreneur that Each One Teach One Childcare and Learning Center will soon be Pittsburgh’s premier childcare and educational hub.”
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
“COVID 19 initially delayed the opening of our learning center. Thankfully we were able to pivot to address the current needs of our children and their families. As a result we will now operate as a virtual learning location and provide the necessary interventions to ensure children are ready to re-enter into their classrooms.”
What does receiving Cocoapreneur’s mini grant mean to you?
“After being denied for several grants and loans, the Cocaprenuer mini grant was truly a Godsend. The grant allowed Each One Teach One to purchase educational enrichment materials, technology, and safety materials such as masks, shoe covers, gloves and cleaning equipment. We appreciate the efforts of Ms. Khamil Scantling and Cocoaprenuer Pgh and know that with their support Each One Teach One Childcare and Learning Center will soon be Pittsburgh’s premier childcare and educational hub.”
You can read more about Dr. Thornhill and her struggle to find resources for her organization amid the pandemic in this article from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
Each One Teach One Childcare and Learning Center can be found at 500 Ardmore Blvd in Pittsburgh. You can also visit their website at EachOneTeachOnePgh.com and contact them for all childcare and educational enrichment services at 412-543-3111. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @EachOneTeachOnePgh.
